Asbestos Poisoning Symptoms

Asbestos poisoning symptoms don't usually show up right away after being exposed to asbestos fibers.

Asbestos is a natural fibrous mineral that can put your health on the line.

It's got a unique structure: It is strong, flexible, durable, and it resists heat and fire.

That explains why a lot of manufacturers like to use it in many different industries.

Asbestos is used as insulation (both thermal and acoustic). It is also added to different materials to make them fire proof.

Asbestos Exposure

When left completely alone, this mineral is not so much of a concern. The problem is that it doesn't take very much to disturb it.

When disturbed, it breaks up into tiny particles which get into the air around you. The particles are very thin. They don't weigh very much and can stay in the air for hours or even days.

That makes it very easy for anyone close by to breathe them in.

If you breathe in the small particles, they can get into your lungs and cause damage/poisoning.

The longer your exposure to asbestos, the greater your chances of being poisoned or developing an asbestos related disease.

Unlike exposure to other toxic substances, it may take many many years (e.g. 15 or 20) or more before you notice any asbestos poisoning symptoms.

Asbestos poisoning symptoms may include a dry cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, tightness in the chest, and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD).

Since all of these asbestos poisoning symptoms are typical of other diseases, getting a correct diagnosis may take some time.

It's possible that your doctor may not even suspect asbestos right away if it's been many years since you were exposed to it, or if you aren't aware that you've been exposed.

Possible Health Effects Of Asbestos Exposure

Asbestosis

Asbestosis disease happens when the fibers get into your lungs. The fibers cause irreversible scarring of your lung tissue. Unfortunately, your body isn't able to remove the fibers.

The scars may cause your lungs to harden (fibrosis). If your lungs are hardened, you will not be able to take in as much oxygen as healthy lungs can. They will not be able to function at their full capacity.

The main symptoms of this disease are shortness of breath, tightness in the chest, and a cough that will not go away.

Asbestos and Lung Cancer

Exposure can also lead to lung cancer. It can take up to 40 years for the cancer to develop. If you smoke cigarettes, that increases your chances of getting lung cancer. Now is a great time to quit!

Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer caused by asbestos poisoning. This cancer affects the outer tissues of your lungs (the pleura). It can take anywhere from 10 to 50 years after you are exposed before this cancer develops. Symptoms of mesothelioma are chest pain and shortness of breath.

This kind of cancer can also occur in the lining of your abdominal cavity (peritoneum), and in the lining of your heart (pericardium). Unfortunately the prognosis for this type of cancer is not good.

Other Diseases/Disorders

Exposure can also cause damage to your immune system, damage to your digestive system, and pulmonary hypertension.

Minimizing Asbestos Exposure

Thankfully asbestos is not as popular as it once was. Even though safer alternatives are available, we all need to exercise care and caution.

When you need to replace old items with new ones, be sure to carefully remove and dispose of old items that may contain this mineral.

If you suspect that asbestos may be a problem in your home, you can buy an asbestos testing kit at your local hardware store.

If you've got asbestos in your home, I highly recommend calling in a professional (who is an expert in asbestos removal) to do the job for you. Your health is worth the added expense.

If you are planning on buying an older home, be sure to do your research first to find out what insulation and building materials it is made from.

Related Pages

Common Household Toxins